Children Celebrate Revolutionary History at Liberty Tree Dedication in Summerville, South Carolina as part of South Carolina 250

Interactive America 250! event brings history to life with Francis Marion, colonial games, and cannon fire

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – On Friday, October 3, the Susannah Smith Elliott (SSE) Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a vibrant America 250! celebration at the Ashley River branch of the Dorchester County Library, located on Bacon’s Bridge Road in Summerville. Sixty local children attended the event, which highlighted the Revolutionary War history of the Bacon’s Bridge area and honored the legacy of General Francis Marion.

The event centered around the dedication of a new Liberty Tree—a young oak planted in tribute to the legendary “Marion’s Oak,” where Marion and his troops once camped while guarding the bridge. Children in attendance honored the Swamp Fox by placing a spoonful of soil from Marion’s home and burial site around the tree. The Fort Dorchester Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) served as Color Guard, and the ceremony concluded with three musket shots fired by SAR member Ted Walker.

“This event is about helping children connect with the land and the legacy of those who fought for our freedom,” said Beth Pantone, Regent of the SSE Chapter. “We want them to understand that history isn’t just in textbooks—it’s right here under their feet.”

Inside the library, children enjoyed presentations by Carolyn Nations, SCDAR America 250! State Chair, who spoke on the legacy of Liberty Trees, and Michael Glazier, a Francis Marion portrayer from Georgetown, SC, who brought the Swamp Fox’s story to life. Participants signed an oath of allegiance with quills, donned tricorn hats, and viewed Revolutionary War artifacts.

“Liberty Trees were powerful symbols of resistance and unity during the Revolution,” said Nations. “By planting one today, we’re passing that spirit on to a new generation.”

Outside, the adjacent field transformed into a hands-on history hub. Children rotated through interactive stations including colonial games, SAR and CAR (Children of the American Revolution) displays, and a storytelling table hosted by Cynthia Putman, portraying Susannah Smith Elliott. Cathy Akers introduced the Oakbrook America 250! Trail brochure, highlighting eight local Revolutionary War sites for families to explore. 

The SSE Chapter also launched two new projects at the event: a donation of over 40 Revolutionary War books to the library’s children’s section, and the unveiling of the Oakbrook America 250! Trail brochure. The event concluded with a cannon blast at 2:20 p.m., marking a memorable end to a day steeped in patriotism, education, and community spirit.

ABOUT AMERICA 250: America 250 is the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was the first heritage society to formally partner with America 250, launching initiatives to honor Revolutionary War Patriots, engage youth through educational programs and contests, and spotlight the contributions of underrepresented and diverse individuals who helped secure American independence. Learn more at www.america250.org.

ABOUT THE SUSANNAH SMITH ELLIOTT CHAPTER, DAR: The Susannah Smith Elliott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), based in Summerville, South Carolina, is dedicated to preserving American history, promoting patriotism, and supporting education. Named for a courageous Revolutionary War heroine, the chapter actively engages in community outreach, historic preservation, and youth programming. Members participate in local and national DAR initiatives, including America 250!, and work to honor the legacy of those who fought for independence—especially through storytelling, educational events, and support for veterans and active-duty military. Learn more at summervillescdar.org.